Missing all second molars at 25

[cameron1994]

Hi

I’m a 25 year old male living in the UK. I never really looked after my teeth when I was younger but then again who does. I have had most teeth filled for as long as I can remember. I should have really had braces when I was younger so my teeth and bite is misaligned. A few year back a dentist at the dentist hospital pointed out that only my second molars touched out of my full set of teeth when I bit down, these second molars I started getting a lot of pain in and the dentist decided to extract them so I’m currently missing all my second molars and I don’t have any third molars or wisdom teeth as their known as.

I suppose my question is can I live a healthy and comfortable life with only first molars? I really can’t afford dental implants, are they needed for second molars? I’m currently chewing quite well with first molars and the rest of my teeth.

Thanks

 

[Enarete]

Not a dentist, but have heard that the first molars are the most important ones as they are at the spot where the most force is happens during chewing. If you can chew just fine then it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[MountainMama]

I have lost two second molars. My dentist, and my endodontist have both told me that people can function very well without second molars.

 

[badpatch]

I don’t think u should worry too much about it. If ur bite is fine and u can chew fine there is no need of implant. U will do fine.

 

[Gordon]

Actually the current thinking in the Scandinavian countries is that you only "need" to have from premolar to premolar teeth, molars aren't necessary for most chewing functions...

Going back about a hundred years when I was a dental student, the professor who was in charge of the denture department had a tame patient whom he brought into his first lecture to the class, this chap would solemnly remove both his upper and lower dentures and then happily munch a Granny Smith apple on the stage.
This was intended to prove to us all that dentures weren't that important in the overall scheme of chewing stuff!

 

[krlovesherkids777]

I too, am without 2 of my 2nd molars. on the same side. While I would love to still have them. I can function too. Would love to get implants some day if finances should become available but until then I guess I play the card I have .